Why the Falcons, Broncos and three other teams should trade up in the 2024 NFL Draft

For the second year in a row, the NFL Draft revolves around what the Bears will do at No. 1 overall.

While recent mock drafts from ESPN and PFF have Chicago selecting USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the first pick in 2024's draft, the front office's decision to retain head coach Matt Eberflus could be a sign that the Bears intend on sticking with Fields in 2024. If the quarterback stays, Chicago will receive numerous offers for the No. 1 pick. 

Here are five teams that should consider trading up before April's draft.

1. Atlanta Falcons

Quarterback is the biggest need for the Falcons. Their situation is arguably the worst in the league, making them the most obvious choice to trade up to No. 1 overall. Atlanta has been viewed as a top landing spot for Fields, should he be made available in a trade, and it would be just as attractive for Williams or North Carolina's Drake Maye. The Falcons have outstanding young playmakers at tight end (Kyle Pitts), wide receiver (Drake London) and running back (Bijan Robinson); in a winnable division, one of the top rookie quarterbacks could establish Atlanta as the team to beat in the NFC South for years to come.

2. Denver Broncos

Broncos head coach Sean Payton gushed about Williams while an analyst for Fox Sports in 2022, saying, "I think he's a generational player" during an appearance on "The Herd with Colin Cowherd." Denver made huge trades for quarterback Russell Wilson and Payton the past two offseasons and could continue that trend this year.

3. Las Vegas Raiders

If Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh takes the plunge back into the NFL, the Raiders are expected to be a strong candidate for his services. In the event of Harbaugh coaching in Las Vegas next season, it makes sense for the Raiders to swing big in the draft and get a quarterback to pair with their NCAA championship-winning head coach.

4. Minnesota Vikings

Kirk Cousins is one of the top free agents in the 2024 class and could potentially return to Minnesota. However, if the Vikings are outbid, they should be highly motivated to try to move up in the draft. Wide receiver Justin Jefferson is due for a lucrative contract extension; pairing him with an elite quarterback prospect on a rookie deal could be the best-case scenario for Minnesota's offseason. Of course, the Bears may not be keen on the idea of trading the No. 1 pick within its own division, which might make the Vikings an unrealistic trade partner. 

5. Washington Commanders

If the Commanders, which have the No. 2 pick, fall in love with one of the top quarterback prospects over the rest of the class, they shouldn't risk another team jumping them and potentially losing out on that player. This could be the most favorable outcome for the Bears, too. By only moving down one spot, they'd be able to pick up assets and still remain ahead of the Cardinals, who have the No. 4 pick, keeping them in play for Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.